Lower my C5, now it squeeks?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Mesa AZ
Lower my C5, now it squeeks?
I lowered my 98 roadster this morning using the instructions posted on the tech tip page. I removed two thirds of the rear upper and lower bushings. I put it back together and took it for a test drive. Now every little bump in the road makes a real loud squeek. So, I brought it home, put it back on the jack and put back one piece of bushing in both the top and bottom. The noise did get better but it's still there every once in awhile.
Any idea what this is? Has anyone else had this problem when they lowered their C5? And if so, will it eventually stop? :confused:
Any idea what this is? Has anyone else had this problem when they lowered their C5? And if so, will it eventually stop? :confused:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
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Re: Lower my C5, now it squeeks? (rdstr4me)
I'm sure you did this, but, I'll throw it out there anyway. Lower the car utilizing the exisiting stock bolts was it used as a first option? Then look at it and test ride it. You know this approach usually gets you about .75"-1.0" lower than stock.
I know folks are still doing this mod, but, cutting the OEM bushings isn't always the best solution, as you are now experiencing some of it's negative side affects. Better yet, albeit a more expensive, but, slicker and smarter upgrade would be to go with a set of Bilsteins.
Leave the bushings as they were designed by the manufacturer to do the job they were intended. Sprays and grease are bandaid solutions. You'll be jacking with it all the time after every good hard rain andcertainly over time.
Bushings are purpose built components. Performing as insulators, shims while adding lubricity to contact points/operable junctions, don't mess with them. Over a period of time modifying bushings can and usually do lead to problematic issues as you "can" change the texture and race profile of the surface. Cheap short term gain, not the best solution.
Now go hug that car and tell it your sorry.
:beatdeadhorse:
[Modified by WFO, 3:00 AM 5/24/2004]
I know folks are still doing this mod, but, cutting the OEM bushings isn't always the best solution, as you are now experiencing some of it's negative side affects. Better yet, albeit a more expensive, but, slicker and smarter upgrade would be to go with a set of Bilsteins.
Leave the bushings as they were designed by the manufacturer to do the job they were intended. Sprays and grease are bandaid solutions. You'll be jacking with it all the time after every good hard rain andcertainly over time.
Bushings are purpose built components. Performing as insulators, shims while adding lubricity to contact points/operable junctions, don't mess with them. Over a period of time modifying bushings can and usually do lead to problematic issues as you "can" change the texture and race profile of the surface. Cheap short term gain, not the best solution.
Now go hug that car and tell it your sorry.
:beatdeadhorse:
[Modified by WFO, 3:00 AM 5/24/2004]
Safety Car
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From: Indianapolis Indiana
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Re: Lower my C5, now it squeeks? (WFO)
WFO, so a set of Bilstein Sports will drop you how much? I've heard figures, but I'd like to hear again if you've done this. Also, do you need to make any adjustments to the lowering bolts after butting the Bilstein Sports on?
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From: Mesa AZ
Re: Lower my C5, now it squeeks? (WFO)
I guess I'm a little surprised that a popular mod like this is actually endorsed on this site. I'm new to this forum and made the assumption that any tech tips would be reliable. My mistake. I'll be replacing the bushings tonight. I learned a valuable lesson here, no more BS mods to my car. :mad
BTW, I already have Bilstiens Sport Shocks on the car, so I guess that will have to do.
BTW, I already have Bilstiens Sport Shocks on the car, so I guess that will have to do.
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From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
Re: Lower my C5, now it squeeks? (rdstr4me)
One must be careful in using advice from the site. I try to research extensively before trying something. Most people are trying to be helpful, but, some are going by hearsay and not first hand experience. Too bad you cut the rear bushings. I put in longer bolts with bushings intact and have been very satisfied.
Fred K.
:nono:
Fred K.
:nono:
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Mesa AZ
Re: Lower my C5, now it squeeks? (FKING1)
You're right, and believe me, I've learned my lesson. I put the bushings back and the noise is gone. So, tell me more about using longer bolts. How much longer are they? I'm assuming there are strength specs to consider. Can you buy something like this at the local hardware store, or would I have to find a specialty store? I like this idea much more than the previous method.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Hilton NY
Re: Lower my C5, now it squeeks? (rdstr4me)
I didn't cut the bushings and the car squeeked after lowering. I used some silicone grease on the shock bushings and a-arm bushings which helped but now the rubber spring mounts to the frame seem to be the last source of squeeks.
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From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
Re: Lower my C5, now it squeeks? (Fast one)
The stock bolts are 1/2" x 6". You have several choices. You can buy 1/2x7or 7-1/2 from a fastener store as they must be Grade 8. I bought my from Eckler's, they are 8" and were $20.00.
Fred K.
:flag
Fred K.
:flag
